Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
Score: 90% ESRB: Mature Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Phantagram Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Action/ Real-Time Strategy
Graphics & Sound: Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is a unique entry into the Xbox’s lineup of games. Part RTS, part action game -- Crusaders provides both the in-depth strategy of RTS games, as well as some fun hack n’ slash action. One of the more striking elements of the game is its presentation, which feels like a big Hollywood production. Camera angles during cut-scenes are very cinematic, and really help to put you into the action. Environments are large and feature a variety of small details that really help to make the game sparkle. This includes big things like castle environments, and even small things like blades of grass. Character models also have a very unique look that helps to set it apart from other RTS games. The only downside is that the models, for whatever reason, move their mouths at the oddest times. During the intro, the characters hold a conversation with each other and never move their lips. Yet, at other times there’s no speech, but movement -- making it look like they’re chewing cud. Sound is lackluster, but gets the job done. The soundtrack doesn’t fit the onscreen action all that well and feels out of place. The music is okay, but the guitar licks feel really out of place in the game’s fantasy setting. Sound effects are workable, but are usually drowned out by the music. Voiceovers are the low point of the entire package. The performances are dialed in and sound like they were recorded by the same two guys attempting to sound different. Even the one female general sounds a little too manly at times.
Gameplay: Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders follows a traditional fantasy-themed story pitting humans against the Dark Legion, an alliance of everything evil. Players can choose to play as either Gerald, a human leader, or Lucretia, a Dark Legion leader. Each leader is flanked by two supporting officers and acts as the leader of a small group of infantry soldiers. After completing each character’s story, two additional generals can be unlocked, giving an already long game additional replay value. Both stories follow the same basic plot and provide a nice backdrop to the action. As the game opens, Crusaders feels more like Dynasty Warriors than an RTS. After a few missions of solo action, you’re given control of a small legion of troops, and eventually, your own army. Here, the core RTS elements begin to come into play -- adding a level of strategy to the hack n’ slash gameplay already present. Different troop types have different abilities. Infantry troops are all around fighters, and archers are your ranged attacks. Depending on the objectives, you’ll also come across specialized units like Spearmen, who can take out Calvary troops easily, and Sappers, who can remove traps and destroy structures. Mission objectives start out as simple “destroy this army” objectives, and will eventually evolve into complicated tactics like leading enemy troops into woods and then having archers set them ablaze. In addition to including RTS and action elements, Crusaders also features some RPG elements. After completing a mission, you can level up your character, unlocking new moves and abilities to use in battle. Between battles, you can also purchase upgrades for your units, as well as new troops. As your generals grow in power, your troops can evolve towards higher job types based on how you’re leveling your generals. This adds a twist to things and helps to really make players feel like they have ownership of their armies. Topping off a fun single-player experience is the ability to challenge friends on Xbox Live. Although only two players can participate in online games, the action is intense and offers something different from other games available.
Difficulty: Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is a bit on the hard side. The game starts out easy enough, but as you gain more soldier groups to manage, things can get hectic in a hurry. Mission objectives also don’t go off as planned, requiring quick thinking. Deviations of plans aren’t so much due to scripted events as they are A.I. screw-ups and problems with trying to manage troops. Missions that involve traps are a little too tough and can come off as feeling cheap. There are times when you can send your Sappers in first to remove traps, but there are also times when you have to get your army over to an area quickly, which usually leads to depleted ranks.
Game Mechanics: Controlling troop movements feels simple, but ends up being much deeper (and complicated) as you progress. Squads can be controlled either by flipping through them with the trigger buttons or by using the mini-map. The first method allows for quick decisions during hectic battles, while the second allows for more exacting movements. Learning how to use each of these methods is vital to success. The system works, but when a mission calls for complicated tactics, it seems to cop out. Action sequences are flat-out button mashers with some simple combos thrown in. As you take out enemies and complete goals, you’ll also gain SP, which can be used to perform special attacks. Certain button combos will also call your support officers to charge into battle and use their own special attacks. Although it has its problems, Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is a fun game that should appeal to a wide variety of gamers. RTS fans will love the deep strategy elements and action gamers, especially fans of the Dynasty Warriors series, will like slashing through hordes of orcs and dark elves.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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